Fun-filled Glendale Activities for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

Glendale is a city in Los Angeles County, California, that offers a wide range of activities for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor entertainment, Glendale has something for everyone. With its beautiful parks, museums, shopping centers, and restaurants, Glendale is a great destination for families who want to have fun and create lasting memories with their children.

If you’re planning a family trip to Glendale, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to do with kids. Some of the most popular attractions include the Americana at Brand, a beautiful outdoor shopping center with a dancing fountain, a movie theater, and a trolley ride. Another must-visit destination is the Glendale Galleria, a large indoor mall with over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. For families who love the outdoors, Verdugo Park is a great place to explore, with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Glendale also boasts several museums that are perfect for families with kids. The Kidspace Children’s Museum is a hands-on learning center that offers interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs for children of all ages. The Museum of Neon Art is another unique attraction that showcases neon signs and art from the 20th century. Whether your kids are interested in science, art, or history, Glendale has a museum that will spark their curiosity and imagination.

Booking.com

Family Activities

Glendale is a great place to visit with kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, from parks to hiking trails to playgrounds. Here are some of the best options for families looking to have fun in Glendale.

Parks

Glendale has several parks that are perfect for families. Deukmejian Wilderness Park is a great place to explore nature, with hiking trails and picnic areas. The park covers over 700 acres and has stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains. Brand Park is another popular destination, with a playground, picnic areas, and a historic carousel. The park is also home to the Brand Library and Art Center, which offers art exhibits and classes.

Hiking Trails

If your family enjoys hiking, Glendale has plenty of options. Deukmejian Wilderness Park has several trails that range in difficulty, from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The park also has a nature center that offers educational programs for kids. Another great option is the Verdugo Mountains Open Space Preserve, which has over 244 acres of hiking trails and stunning views of the city.

Playgrounds

For families with young kids, Glendale has several playgrounds to choose from. Pacific Park is a popular destination, with a playground, picnic areas, and a splash pad. The park also has a basketball court and a baseball field. Another great option is the Brand Park Playground, which has a play structure, swings, and a sand area.

Overall, Glendale has plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a park to explore, a hiking trail to conquer, or a playground to play in, Glendale has something for everyone.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, Glendale has plenty of options for kids of all ages. From theaters to bowling alleys to skating lessons, there’s something for everyone.

Theaters

If your kids love the theater, Glendale has a few options to choose from. The Glendale Centre Theatre is a family-owned business that has been around for over sixty years. They offer a variety of shows throughout the year, including children’s theater productions. Another option is the Pacific Theatres at the Glendale Galleria, which offers a more traditional movie-going experience.

Bowling

Bowling is always a fun activity for kids, and Glendale has a few bowling alleys to choose from. The AMF Bowling Co. at the Glendale Galleria is a popular spot for families. They offer a pro shop, as well as bowling leagues for kids. Another option is Jewel City Bowl, which has been a Glendale staple for over 50 years. They also offer bowling leagues for kids, as well as birthday party packages.

Skating Lessons

If your kids are interested in learning how to skate, Glendale has a few options for skating lessons. The Ice Station in downtown Glendale offers skating lessons for kids of all ages and skill levels. They also have public skating sessions and a pro shop. Another option is the Moonlight Rollerway, which offers roller skating lessons for kids. They also have a snack bar and arcade games for when the kids need a break from skating.

Overall, Glendale has plenty of fun activities for kids, whether you’re looking for something indoors or outdoors. From the Glendale Galleria to the Ice Station, there’s always something to do in this vibrant city.

Booking.com

Dining and Shopping

Restaurants

Glendale offers a variety of dining options that cater to both adults and kids. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best restaurants in Glendale for families:

Porto’s Bakery & Cafe: This Cuban bakery is a local favorite and has a wide selection of pastries, sandwiches, and other delicious treats. Kids will love the colorful decor and the variety of sweet treats.
Shake Shack: This popular burger chain is a hit with kids and adults alike. They offer a variety of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, as well as milkshakes and frozen custard.
The Americana at Brand: This outdoor shopping center has a variety of restaurants to choose from, including Katsuya, Din Tai Fung, and Yard House. The center also has a large fountain that kids can play in while parents enjoy a meal.

Mall

Glendale Galleria is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists. The mall has a variety of stores, including H&M, Forever 21, and Sephora. In addition to shopping, the mall also has a food court with a variety of options, including Panda Express, Sbarro, and Jamba Juice. Kids will also love the arcade and the movie theater, which shows the latest family-friendly films.

Arrowhead Towne Center is another popular shopping destination in Glendale. The mall has a variety of stores, including Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dillard’s. In addition to shopping, the mall also has a food court with a variety of options, including Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Charleys Philly Steaks. Kids will also love the carousel and the play area, which is located near the food court.

Overall, Glendale offers a variety of dining and shopping options for families. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a day of shopping, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Nearby Cities

Glendale is a great place to visit with kids, but there are also plenty of fun activities in nearby cities. Here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Pasadena, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Surprise.

Pasadena

Pasadena is just a short drive from Glendale, and it offers plenty of activities for families. One of the top attractions is the Kidspace Children’s Museum, which features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids of all ages. The Pasadena Ice Skating Center is another popular spot, especially during the winter months. Families can also enjoy hiking in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains or taking a stroll through the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with endless options for family fun. The Griffith Observatory is a must-visit, with its planetarium shows and stunning views of the city. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is another great option, with its dinosaur exhibits and live animal encounters. For a more laid-back day out, families can head to Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier for some sun, sand, and carnival games.

Phoenix

Phoenix is a bit further from Glendale, but it’s worth the trip for families who love the outdoors. The Phoenix Zoo is a popular attraction, with its wide range of animals and interactive exhibits. Families can also explore the Desert Botanical Garden, which showcases the unique flora and fauna of the Sonoran Desert. For a bit of history, families can visit the Heard Museum, which celebrates Native American art and culture.

Surprise

Surprise is a smaller city located just west of Phoenix, but it still has plenty to offer families. The Surprise Aquatic Center is a great place to cool off during the hot Arizona summers, with its water slides, lazy river, and splash pad. Families can also catch a baseball game at Surprise Stadium, which hosts spring training for several Major League Baseball teams. The Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is another popular attraction, with its wide range of animals and interactive exhibits.

Overall, Glendale and its nearby cities offer plenty of options for family fun. Whether you’re looking for museums, outdoor activities, or just some good old-fashioned fun, there’s something for everyone in this area.

Booking.com

Tour

Glendale, California is a wonderful destination for families looking for a fun and educational tour experience. With a variety of attractions and activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top tours to consider when visiting Glendale with kids:

Kidspace Children’s Museum

The Kidspace Children’s Museum is a must-visit attraction for families with children. The museum features interactive exhibits and educational programs that are designed to inspire creativity and curiosity in young minds. Kids can explore a variety of exhibits, including a nature exchange, an outdoor adventure area, and a science and technology center.

Glendale Historic District Walking Tour

Take a walking tour of Glendale’s historic district and explore the city’s rich history. The tour includes stops at several historic landmarks and buildings, including the Alex Theatre, the Brand Library, and the Glendale Central Library. Visitors can learn about the city’s early settlers and its growth into a thriving community.

Glendale Galleria Shopping Tour

If you’re looking for a more leisurely tour experience, consider a shopping tour of the Glendale Galleria. This popular shopping center features a wide variety of stores and restaurants, as well as a movie theater and an indoor playground. The tour includes a guided walk through the mall, with stops at some of the most popular stores and attractions.

Glendale Trolley Tour

For a unique tour experience, hop aboard the Glendale Trolley and explore the city’s most popular attractions. The trolley tour includes stops at several historic landmarks, including the Alex Theatre, the Brand Library, and the Americana at Brand shopping center. Visitors can learn about the city’s history and culture while enjoying a scenic ride through Glendale.

Overall, Glendale offers a variety of tours and attractions that are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or just having fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant California city.

Birthday Parties

If you’re looking for a great place to host your child’s birthday party in Glendale, you’re in luck! The city has plenty of options to choose from, ranging from indoor play centers to outdoor parks. Here are some of the best places to host a birthday party in Glendale:

Arcave Room 55

Arcave Room 55 is a popular arcade venue that offers a variety of games and activities for kids of all ages. The arcade is operated by women and has a spacious indoor play area that can accommodate large groups. They offer party packages that include pizza, drinks, and tokens for the arcade games. The venue is located at 55 W. Wilson Ave., Glendale, CA 91203.

Brand Park

Brand Park is a beautiful outdoor park that offers stunning views of the Verdugo Mountains. It’s a great place to host a birthday party for kids who love to play outdoors. The park has a children’s play area, a basketball court, a ball field, and a skate park. There are also several picnic areas and open green spaces where you can set up your party. The park is located at 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale, CA 91201.

The Paper Rabbit

The Paper Rabbit is an art and crafts studio that offers a unique and creative birthday party experience for kids. They provide all the materials and supplies needed for the party, and kids can create their own art projects to take home. The studio is located at 3807 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose, CA 91020.

Jewel City Bowl

Jewel City Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley that offers a fun and entertaining birthday party experience for kids. They have 24 lanes of bowling, shoe rental, and a variety of food and drinks to choose from. They also offer party packages that include pizza, drinks, and a dedicated party host. The bowling alley is located at 135 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA 91205.

Outside the Box – La Crescenta

Outside the Box – La Crescenta is an indoor play center that offers a variety of activities for kids, including a climbing wall, a bounce house, and a ball pit. They offer party packages that include pizza, drinks, and playtime in the center. The center is located at 3805 Ocean View Blvd., Montrose, CA 91020.

Overall, Glendale has plenty of options for hosting a memorable and fun birthday party for your child. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor venue, an art and crafts studio, or a bowling alley, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and budget.

Booking.com

Fun-filled Glendale Activities for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents